Chapter 2

Master Balthazar’s mansion was huge, it had five floors, the top one dedicated to his paid staff and the slave enforcers. On the ground floor he had three lounges, a kitchen, a dining room, a games room that I had never been in, only catching glimpses of it when the guards entered and exited. Oh, and a hall with tiled floors that he used when he threw parties. It was early morning, the sun hadn’t been up long so I’m guessing he would be in the dining room with his coffee.

The mansion was coated with guards, you couldn’t turn a corner without seeing one, and none of them were permitted to speak to me, nor I them. If I looked at them, it was five lashes, if I spoke it was 10. My master didn’t like me talking to anyone but him, in fact, even the slaves avoided me. Called me his favourite behind my back.

I chuckled internally at that, I wouldn’t say I was his favourite, I had tried to escape more times than I could count; hearing stories of human cities where I could live on my own, work where I wanted, where the man who owned me wouldn’t find me. But I never managed to get far enough away from him to see them, one foot out of the woods and I would be caught within minutes.

He used what he called portals, disappearing and reappearing wherever he wanted, how could I escape that? It’s simple, I couldn’t.

I stopped outside the door to Balthazar’s private dining room, my head hanging low as I stared at the grey carpet, waiting for the guards the announce my presence.

The guard to my left knocked, but the one to my right spoke, his tone raspy and stern. “Sire, thirteen is here to see you.”

That’s me, thirteen. The guards didn’t know our names, we were numbers, creatures that they needn’t worry themselves with. The guards were human, all of them. But one of masters spells surrounded them, and no wolf within these lands could question that, no one could hurt them.

I heard a cup slam against a wooden table, forcing myself not to wince when I heard the anger in Balthazar’s voice. “Send her in.” He ordered.

Oh fuck. I had done something to piss him off, but what? For three whole weeks I had kept my head down, not spoken to anyone but Margaret and I had done everything asked of me. I searched my mind, looking for a mistake so I could prepare myself, though nothing came to mind. I took a shallow breath, and walked into to the room when the guard opened the door, my head low and hands neatly in front of me, the collar around my neck an uncomfortable reminder of his power over me.

I move slowly, walking around the table and dropping to my knees, folding myself towards the floor with my hands at either side of my body; my forehead pressed against the soft carpet. Then, I wait, you do not speak to master Balthazar unless he tells you do, and you definitely do not look at him.

Minutes pass, my heart thumping loudly in my ears, my form slowly beginning to tremble as Nyx grows in frustration within my mind. Why isn’t he saying anything? I have the sudden urge to look up, to see why he was so silent, but I knew that would be a mistake. I wouldn’t definitely be punished for looking at him.

I dig my fingers into the carpet, letting out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding when he sighed audibly, the sound of his chair back filling the room.

“Look at me.” He snaps, his voice line ice.

I do so immediately, moving to sit on my knees, my hands clasped on my legs as I turn my gaze to meet his, trying to look docile and compliant.

He was a tall man, much taller than me, his mousy brown hair a contrast to my wavy neon shade, his perfectly straight as it just passes his shoulders. His cold blue eyes, holding a hatred for my kind, one that I still couldn’t understand. He wore a black shirt, the top two buttons undone, to reveal his golden skin, his dark ripped jeans covering the lip of his brown boots.

He watched me a moment before picking up his coffee and resting it on the chair arm, his eyes travelling down my body, making me shift uncomfortably. “As you know, your nineteenth birthday is fast approaching.” He began, and my breath stutters, oh god no; please don’t say it! I scream internally. “I expect you will find a mate soon.”

I remained mute, unsure if that was meant as a question or command, but even if it was a command, he can’t force me to chose a mate, that is something that my wolf and I decide. The one thing he cannot take from me. Yet, I knew exactly what he meant, he wants me to have children, to give him more slaves.

“Annalise.” He grows, “I can see defiance in your eyes, and I will not tolerate it. It is your job to give me what I require.”

I scowl at that, my jaw tightening as I snap it shut. Don’t speak, you know why will happen if you do. I remind myself, lowering my eyes back to the carpet in hopes he will see it as obedience. He doesn’t.

“Tell me what you are thinking.” He demands, but I hesitate. “You know I can force it from you. Wouldn’t it be easier to tell me?”

“I don’t want children.” I whisper, my voice low.

He laughs, a cruel sound that sends a shiver down my spine. “You know better than most to not misunderstand me. That was not a request. You will find a mate among those here and you will bare children.”

I look up, my mouth agape as I shake my head; he can’t control my wolf, she is free. I meet his eyes with the same defiance that got my parents killed, strengthening my composure and throwing back my shoulders.

“I won’t.” I say louder, my voice booming with strength. “You may have a piece of paper that says you own me, but you will neverown my mind, you will never subdue my wolf.” I spit.

He smiles, and I realise what I have done, my heart stuttering in fear as he rises to his feet, his eyes darkening with something I recognise; something evil. I stumble to my feet after falling once or twice, using the table for balance and attempting to get away, my breath raspy as fear began to overcome me.

“I … master, I didn’t mean it..” I manage to stutter out between terrified gasps.

His smile widens as he flicks his wrist, my whole body freezing as though I no longer had control over my own body, “Running from your master?” He tuts. “I thought you were finally beginning to learn.”